Matthew Dorrance, Welsh Labour's parliamentary candidate for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said that he has pledged his support for farmers in the area, promising to champion rural communities and stand up for agriculture as a major employer and key national industry.

Responding to the concerns raised about comments made by Anna McMorrin, Cardiff North MP for Labour, Mr Dorrance’s pledge comes after he backed a vote at Powys County Council which called on the Welsh Government to “renew engagement with the farming unions, before re-approaching the agricultural sector once serious amendments have been made to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.” Mr Dorrance also backed a motion that called on the Welsh Government to consider the impact of changes to school term times on the Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Dorrance said: “As someone who's grown up in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe I am well aware of the importance of our farming and agricultural sector. Supporting our farmers is championing a key national industry. But more than that, it's helping and enhancing our local community.

"I know there’s a successful future for farming in Wales and I will continue to support – and listen to – farmers in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.

“With farmers managing 80% of land in Wales we need to support the sector to ensure our food security and respond to the climate emergency.

“I am pleased that the Welsh Government has continued to pay the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in full – unlike in England, where the UK Government cut BPS payments to farmers.

“I know farmers are anxious about the proposals within the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and I have asked to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales to listen to those concerns.

“As Labour MP, I would continue to stand up for our local community, and work in partnership with our farmers to bring about a better future for the industry."

Anna McMorrin believes comments made to Rishi Sunak were twisted by him, resulting in online abuse. She has denied calling protesting farmers ‘extremists’ and ‘conspiracy theorists’.